A few days ago I was at a JCPS high school and was shocked at the condition of the bathroom. It reeked of tobacco smoke, the toilet paper was hung from a chain and padlocks, there was an apple shoved in one of the hand dryers, and the bathroom was dark and dingy.

The secondary gym in the same high school had bleachers that were bowing and felt unsafe.

When I used to wait tables, one of my managers insisted the bathroom and kitchen were as important to maintain as the rest of the restaurant, because the most beautiful dining room couldn't be overshadowed by damaged, dirty, or unsanitary kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally, people feel less inclined to vandalize and destroy places that look like someone cares about them.

I realize money's tight, but how many of our kids are hurt by their surroundings, using toilet paper that's attached to a chain like some fourth rate portapotty at a construction site, and feel like they're in a prison or worse every time they simply have to pee. Does this affect how they feel when they come to school, their desire to be there, and the outcomes from their education?

My child goes to Eastern and is an excellent student. He became ill at school and felt the bathroom was in completly unacceptable conditions to use. He said the walls are even covered in fecal material! He left school on his own and drove to the closest restaurant. He felt
he couldn't go back to school until the next day. When he returned to school he received 4 days of detention. The asst. Principal told me that he should have tried all the other bathrooms.....
I think the staff should have to use the same facilities
our children are expected to use, maybe then someone would be held accountable for cleanliness.